Eleven Essentials for an easy and elegant Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, when I get to do my favorite things-- eat, drink, and be merry with family and good friends. While some find the thought of entertaining a little daunting, hosting an elegant gathering can be relaxing with the right things at hand. For this year's Thanksgiving, I put together a list of 11 things that will work for gatherings of two or a crowd. Each piece was selected not only for ease and function, but for quality, style, and as always, beauty for your home.
Seasonal Touches - Make it easy with a statement piece. Our favorite right now is the Devon Willow Deer from Juliska. It's great for fall, and we see it going right into Christmas. Perfect for your table, side board, bar, or mantle. Best part? They contain glass vases that make adding floral easy.
Paper Mats, Napkins, and Rolls - Tired of ironing linens or just want a colorful, seasonal and easy change-up? Here ya go! Our customers love these not just for the table, but for the bar and buffet. And yes! Combine these Fable Fauna Placemats with matching napkins, coordinating paper rolls and accessories to use in a formal settings as well as casual. It doesn’t get more easy-care than this, and tremendously elevates your presentation. Don’t forget the kids table with the turkey you can color! All from Hester & Cook.
Napkin Rings - Used with cloth or paper, napkin rings are a simple thing that can add so much to your table, There are lots of choices in the shop from whimsical to formal, but this year I'm loving the antique brass rings Blenheim Oak rings. The etched design adds that perfect woodsy touch, and coordinates beautifully with Country Estate Napkins to dress up any neutral dishware.
Napkins - With scenes depicting idyllic country life, Country Estate Harvest Napkins are oversized, and a soft washable cotton, printed in a warm sepia tone perfect for fall settings.
Charcuterie - Divided sections make serving up your faves easy. There are several in stock to choose from, this divided server from Mariposa is hand-crafted to an amazing mirror finish, has a removable wooden cutting board, giving you an extra serving piece. Made from 100% recycled product, I like the size of it for storing, and that fact that with aluminum you never need to polish!
Small Plates - This is one thing I have stacks and stacks of, as they’re so handy for hors d’oeuvres, meals, desserts, and more. And sooo much better than serving on paper! The Juliska Country Estate Harvest assorted set of 4 seems like it was designed just for country life here in north central Florida. The boxed set makes an amazing hostess gift as well.
Small Platter - These pieces are so handy for big occasions on your table or bar, and for everyday “just you” noshes. We love the size, shape, handles, and hand-finished nature of Pietra Serena from Vietri. Use it every day for wine and cheese, presenting a caprese salad, or on a side board.
Large Oval Platter - When working with couples on gift registries, platters are always suggested not just for seasonal birds and meats, but for veggies and charcuteries. Blenheim Oak from Juliska is a perfect seasonal match, or for that rustic home. It coordinates so beautifully not just with so many Juliska patterns, but with other traditional woodland looks.
A Good Carving Set - With olive wood handles and carbon steel, this boxed set from Claude Dozorme is not only great for you, but makes an elegant gift. Made in Thiers, the knife-making region of France, in business since 1902.
Last but not least!
A Cake Stand - Why do I love cake stands? Because they’re not just for cakes, but WOW they show off cakes! If you like to serve buffet-style, cake stands add so much to your presentation. I’m a little obsessed with Juliska’s new Blenheim Oak pattern, as it lends itself so well to a rustic setting, blending with not only Juliska patterns, but with so many other fall settings.
That's the list!
With a focus on presentation, these things will elevate your guest experience, make things easy for you, and along with some delicious food, be sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience your hospitality. Stop by the shop to see even more, and let us know how we may help you. And above all, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Paula
